Letters To The Heart

Entry 5: Could It Be?

Dear Stranger,

The ball has come to an end, but so much has unfolded tonight...

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Earlier This Evening

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"Yes, Duchess Maylee, I look forward to addressing your land concerns at court next week," I assured her, my voice steady, though internally I felt the weight of the evening pressing upon me.

Tonight, I felt an overwhelming pressure. So many dukes, duchesses, and nobles were vying for my attention, seeking my favor, rather than my father's. I sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. To top it all off, Christian had yet to make an appearance. Granted, it would have been helpful if I actually knew what he looked like now.

You may recall that I wrote about Christian being my dearest friend, and indeed he is. However, there's one small detail I neglected to mention: we haven't seen each other since I was nine. It was five months after my birthday, just before he turned eleven, when his parents decided it was time for him to return to the Rosetta Silvare Nation. They believed it was essential for Christian to be among his own people, to learn the ways of his kingdom if he were to rule them one day.

Since then, we've kept in touch solely through letters. Those letters have become my most cherished possessions. Within them, I've entrusted him with my deepest secrets, my hopes, my regrets, and my fears.

The Kingdoms of Cair Paravel and Rosetta are among the most powerful Nations, overseeing vast lands and countless subjects. Being high kingdoms brings with it not only greater authority but also greater burdens. The weight of leadership and the constant threat from rivals have always been part of our lives.

I often feel an unspoken fear about ascending to the throne. My father and mother ruled with a firm but fair hand. My mother, especially, was a beacon of kindness and beauty, a queen revered by all, especially when her crown was set aside. I have always feared that I won't live up to her legacy. I miss her deeply, and as I confided to Christian, the idea of falling short terrifies me.

Most of the evening, I found myself surrounded by eager dukes and duchesses, relentlessly parading their eligible sons before me. I even received "generous" proposals from men who, let's say, would have been better suited to accompany my grandfather on his leisurely strolls. I'll leave it at that.

As the night progressed, I graced almost every eligible bachelor with a dance, per my father's request. He's never pressured me like this before, but recently, I've noticed a shift. He's become more insistent.

After one particular young man sneezed into his pristine white gloves and proceeded to wipe his nose on the sleeve of his tuxedo, I graciously excused myself and made a swift retreat. I needed air—desperately.

I found myself standing near the palace's grand open doors, still hearing the faint echoes of music behind me. Seeking solitude, I ventured into the palace gardens. Though the night was cold, and the once vibrant flowers had withered, I welcomed the chilly air over the stifling heat inside.

As I wandered down the stone path, I heard a rustling sound from the bushes. My heart quickened as I spun around, only to see nothing in the dim light. "Perhaps this wasn't the best idea, Elise," I muttered under my breath, reminding myself of the advice my guards had drilled into me. If ever I felt uneasy, I was to maintain my composure and retreat.

I turned toward the palace, gathering my skirts to quicken my pace. That's when I heard footsteps—steady and approaching fast. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to hurry, but the heavy gown made it impossible to move quickly.

Just as I feared the worst, a hand came over my mouth, muffling any cry for help. My body tensed, and in a desperate act, I kicked and struggled, fully convinced that I was about to meet my untimely end in the palace gardens, wearing a gown that left me breathless and uncomfortable.

In the midst of my panic, a deep voice spoke calmly, "Would you stop moving? You're going to blow our cover."

I froze at the familiarity of the voice. I twirled around, and standing before me was a tall, handsome young man. His blond hair gleamed in the moonlight, and his piercing sapphire eyes held a warmth I recognized instantly.

How could this be? I stared up at him, disbelief washing over me.

"How dare you touch the princess?" I demanded, trying to maintain some semblance of authority. "I could have you arrested for treason."

There was a momentary pause before he chuckled, clearly amused. "Well, first off, how dare you kick the prince?"

A smile crept onto my lips as the realization hit me. Standing before me was none other than Christian.

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This Evening

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Someone's knocking at my door. I promise to finish this tale later!

~ Princess Elise

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